EDFL: Avondale Heights looking to the long-term in season 2025

Avondale Heights underwent an off-season makeover on and off the field but as new coach Andrew Kahofer says it’s all about the long-term. Go inside his plans for the club after an opening round win.

Avondale Heights secured a big win over West Coburg to starts its season.

Avondale Heights’ start to the 2025 season arguably couldn’t have gone better.

A 40-point win over West Coburg who have played in the last three Essendon District Football League Division 1 grand finals.

It was the type of performance new coach Andrew Kahofer had been looking for during his first game in charge.

Kahofer has signed a two-year deal and is determined to help Heights build towards long-term success as they embark on a season at this level for the first time in 20 years.

SEE THE FULL TALKING POINTS FROM THE ROUND BELOW

There were plenty of fresh faces in the senior line-up on Saturday with recruits Colm Brennan, Corey Griffin, Makuei Andrew, Majok Puok, Mark Polycarpou, Nathan Foster, and Sahaf Ali all making their debuts.

Campbell Regan, a Heights’ junior, earned his maiden senior appearance.

Some had doubted how they would perform this season after the names onlookers had become familiar with in previous seasons moved onto new challenges.

“We don’t want a sugar hit, we’re developing for the long-term,” Kahofer said.

“This is a year of getting to know each other and the opportunity is what we put on the table. We’ve recruited well, we’ve got some smart football people involved in the program to help us build the club up again.

“We’re trying to get synergy between the players. Lots of the guys we’ve brought in have played a good standard of footy before.”

Trailing by five points at quarter-time, Kahofer’s side was able to break the game open in the second term with seven goals to two, taking a 25-point lead into halftime.

Ali impressed with four goals on debut alongside familiar name Brody Watts who finished with five in a best on ground display.

Anthony Bonaguro, Bradley Robb, Jackson Robb, Justin Morris and Tom Russell were also named in the best.

“Everything we did was based on our training,” Kahofer said.

“We were able to execute everything we had planned for. For us, it’s about getting some respect in our community, the division we’re playing in.

“We’ll try and build each week. Nothing is ever for free and we’re taking the long-term view of what we want to achieve.”

With Regan making his senior debut, Kahofer is hopeful of giving further opportunities to the club’s future stars.

But he’s cautious about how he’s doing it.

“The kids are floating along, the young guys bring all of the enthusiasm,” he said.

“They are sponges and it’s a great time to be involved with them as coaches. We don’t want to put a strain on the under-18s, so we’ll manage how we use them throughout the year.

“Some will play senior footy but it’s about balancing it out.”

The next challenge awaiting Avondale Heights before the Easter break is Oak Park.

Todd Clark’s Roos got their season off to a perfect start with an 11-point win over fellow premiership contender Hillside. Errol McConnell made a perfect start in his return to Oak Park with a best on ground display while young gun Archie Payne snagged a couple. Kane O’Halloran starred with five goals.

Taylors Lakes marked its return to Division 1 footy with a 71-point thumping of Roxburgh Park as summer signing Damien Petrone showed off his class with five goals. ChristianPetersen was best afield with other recruits including Jacob Hutchinson, Marc Lock and Jake Hobbs all among the best.

In a match up between two finals contenders, St Albans recorded a 34-point win over Craigieburn as ex-country footy star TomEckel showed off his class with two goals in a best on ground display. Big name forward NathanCarroll kicked two after crossing from Sunshine. Eagles rising star HarryAlbon booted three and was best for his side.

Moonee Valley has been awarded the four points against Tullamarine after the game was called off during the third quarter due to an ambulance being required for an injured player.